7 Most Common First Aid Mistakes

Acting on old wives' tales or hearsay during a medical emergency can do a patient more harm than good. Some misguided habits, passed down through generations in our society, can prolong the healing process or even trigger life-threatening complications. By learning the correct first aid techniques, you can save the lives of your loved ones and prevent potential permanent damage.

• During a nosebleed, do not tilt the head back; lean slightly forward and pinch the nostrils.
• Applying toothpaste or yogurt to burns increases the risk of infection; use only cool water.
• Making a fainted person smell strong scents like traditional cologne (kolonya) can irritate their airways.
• Never force open the mouth of someone having an epileptic seizure; simply protect their head from injury.
• Never induce vomiting in a suspected poisoning case; call 112 immediately.

Why is First Aid Crucial in Emergencies?

The first few minutes after an unexpected accident or sudden health crisis are absolutely critical. Conscious and correct interventions before medical help arrives increase the patient's chances of survival and reduce the risk of long-term disability. However, when administering first aid, you must stay calm and only take steps you are certain are correct. The wrong intervention can turn a simple injury into a complex medical emergency. Therefore, raising awareness about common first aid misconceptions is a fundamental responsibility for everyone.

7 Common First Aid Mistakes and What to Do Instead

Many reflex actions we take during everyday accidents and crises are actually medically risky. Here are the most common first aid mistakes and the correct moves you should make instead:

1. Tilting the Head Back During a Nosebleed

Tilting the head backwards is one of the most common mistakes made during a nosebleed. This method does not stop the bleeding; it merely causes the blood to flow down the throat and into the stomach. Swallowed blood can lead to nausea and vomiting, and it also creates a choking hazard if it enters the airway.

The correct approach: The clearest answer to what to do during a nosebleed is to have the person sit down and lean their head slightly forward. Pinch the soft part of the nose (the nostrils) firmly with your thumb and index finger for about 10 uninterrupted minutes. The person should breathe through their mouth and avoid swallowing during this time.

When to see a doctor: If the bleeding doesn't stop after 20 minutes, if it started after a severe blow or trauma, if the person is on blood thinners, or if the bleeding is accompanied by dizziness, you should visit an emergency room without delay.

2. Making a Fainted Person Smell Strong Scents

In cases of syncope (fainting), it is a common tradition to try and revive the person by making them smell pungent things like onions, traditional cologne (kolonya), alcohol, or ammonia. However, these strong scents can severely irritate the respiratory tract, causing spasms that make it even harder for the person to breathe. Splashing water on the patient's face also carries the risk of water entering the airway.

The correct approach: When wondering what to do for someone who has fainted, the first rule is to stay calm. Lay the person flat on their back and elevate their feet about 30 centimetres off the ground (the shock position). Loosen any tight clothing such as ties, collars, or belts, and ensure the area is well-ventilated to help them breathe comfortably.

When to see a doctor: If the person does not regain consciousness within 1 to 2 minutes, complains of chest pain, has difficulty breathing, or experienced severe palpitations before fainting, call 112 immediately.

3. Putting Toothpaste or Yogurt on Burns

During kitchen accidents or hot water spills, applying toothpaste, yogurt, tomato paste, or olive oil to a burn is a dangerous mistake that damages the tissue and dramatically increases the risk of infection. Similarly, applying ice directly to the burned area can cause a secondary injury known as an "ice burn" due to the sudden temperature change on the sensitive tissue.

The correct approach: The medical answer for treating a burn is cool water. Hold the burned area under a gentle, cool stream of tap water for about 15–20 minutes. Afterwards, loosely cover the area with a clean, lint-free cloth or sterile gauze. Never pop any blisters that form.

When to see a doctor: If the burn is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints; if it is caused by chemicals or electricity; or if it covers a large area of the body, you must seek emergency medical help.

4. Trying to Force Open the Mouth During an Epileptic Seizure

Trying to forcefully open a patient's mouth, inserting fingers, or placing a spoon between their teeth to prevent them from swallowing their tongue during an epileptic seizure is a grave mistake. These actions can result in a broken jaw, broken teeth, or severe injuries to the rescuer's fingers. Pinning the patient down to stop the convulsions can also cause muscle tears.

The correct approach: Clear away any sharp, piercing, or hard objects around the person having the seizure. Place a soft pillow or a folded jacket under their head to prevent it from hitting the ground. Once the seizure is over, gently roll the person onto their side (the recovery position) to prevent saliva or vomit from blocking their airway.

When to see a doctor: Call the 112 Emergency Call Centre immediately if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if the person has consecutive seizures, if the seizure occurred in water, if the patient has no known epilepsy diagnosis, or if the person is pregnant.

5. Giving Only Water and Waiting During a Heart Attack

Giving a person complaining of chest pain a glass of water, rubbing their back, or trying to drive them to the hospital yourself under the assumption that "it will pass" causes crucial time to be lost. Physical exertion during a suspected heart attack increases the heart's demand for oxygen, deepening the crisis.

The correct approach: The person should immediately be rested in a comfortable position (usually semi-sitting). Loosen their clothing and help them stay calm. Do not give them any food or drink.

When to see a doctor: If there is a feeling of pressure or squeezing in the centre of the chest, if the pain radiates to the left arm, neck, or jaw, and if it is accompanied by cold sweats and shortness of breath, every second counts. Do not let the patient walk or drive; call 112 immediately and wait for a fully equipped ambulance.

6. Trying to Induce Vomiting in Poisoning Cases

Trying to induce vomiting, especially after the ingestion of cleaning supplies, bleach, or acidic substances, is one of the most fatal mistakes you can make. Corrosive substances burn the oesophagus on the way down; if vomited, they burn the oesophagus and throat a second time on the way back up, leaving irreversible damage.

The correct approach: Never induce vomiting in a suspected poisoning case. If there is chemical residue around the mouth, it can be washed away with water. Note exactly what was swallowed, how much, and when, so you can provide this vital information to the medical team.

When to see a doctor: In any case of ingesting chemicals, medications, or toxic plants/mushrooms, call 114 (the National Poison Information Centre in Türkiye) or 112 immediately. If the patient is unconscious, they must be rushed to the emergency room at once.

7. Slapping the Back Randomly During Choking

If an object goes down someone's windpipe while they are eating, slapping them hard on the back while they are standing upright can cause the object to lodge further down, completely blocking the airway. If the person can still cough, this is a partial blockage and you should not intervene physically.

The correct approach: If the person can cough and speak, simply encourage them to keep coughing. However, if they cannot cough or speak, are clutching their neck, and turning blue (complete blockage), you must perform the Heimlich manoeuvre. Stand behind the person, make a fist with one hand and place it just above their navel. Grasp your fist with your other hand and give 5 forceful inward and upward thrusts. Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 Heimlich thrusts until the object is dislodged.

When to see a doctor: The moment signs of a complete blockage appear, ask a bystander to call 112 immediately. Even if the object is expelled, the person must be examined by a doctor to check for airway damage or remaining fragments.

Emergency Procedures at BHT CLINIC

In medical emergencies, you are racing against time. The Emergency Department at BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi operates 24/7 with an expert medical team and a technological infrastructure that meets international (JCI) standards. In critical situations such as unexpected accidents, heart attacks, poisonings, or trauma, our fully equipped emergency intervention rooms ensure fast and reliable treatment. Once you have taken the correct first aid steps, you can confidently bring your loved ones to our hospital, knowing their health is in expert hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a nosebleed doesn't stop?

If you have applied continuous pressure to your nostrils for 15–20 minutes and leaned slightly forward, but the bleeding continues, you should see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or visit the nearest emergency room without delay. Bleeding-control tampons or cauterisation (burning the vessel) may be required.

How can I prevent a burn from leaving a scar?

To prevent scarring, it is crucial that the initial intervention is done only with cool water. Any blisters that form must never be popped. During the healing process, the area should be protected from the sun, and you should only use burn creams or epithelising (cell-renewing) ointments prescribed by your doctor.

Should I give aspirin to someone having a heart attack?

You should not give blood thinners or heart medication to someone suspected of having a heart attack on your own initiative. Medication should only be administered under the direct instruction of the 112 emergency physician over the phone, or according to a specific emergency plan previously outlined by the patient's own cardiologist.

Should I give sugar water to a patient who has fainted from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)?

If the person is completely unconscious, giving them sugar water, juice, or any food by mouth can cause them to choke. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious patient. If the person is conscious and able to swallow, you can give them sugar cubes or fruit juice; otherwise, call 112 immediately.

This article is for informational purposes only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.